Under the banner of the Entrepreneurship Learning Centre (ELC), an Alberta Video Conference Network has been established to provide business information and interactive training opportunities to Alberta’s small business community.

This network is comprised of 35 uniquely equipped business development centres that use IP-based video conferencing equipment to educate and communicate with entrepreneurs across Alberta. Video conferencing allows you to participate as you would in any meeting or training session in real time. You can ask questions, provide feedback, or enter into discussion with other participants in real time. Presenters are able to interact with all locations and use a PowerPoint presentation as they would in any meeting or presentation. It is great because the participants are able to view two screens; one with the presenter and the other with the presentation.

This Network has allowed us to:

• Access training and expertise.
      We have been able to participate in training sessions that may
      not have been previously available in our community.
• Connect Live.
      Video conferencing has allowed us to connect in real time with
      people in locations throughout the province.
• Save time and reduce our travel costs.
      Now we do not have to leave our community to participate
      in training or meetings.
• Host our own meetings.
      Using video conference equipment, we can connect with our
      business associates to help us do business more efficiently
      and cost effectively.

There are a few important aspects of video conferencing that all presenters should keep in mind while facilitating a session or meeting. Doing a presentation using video conferencing equipment can seem very easy, and it is once you master these five tips.

Tip 1: Interact with all attendees.

You will have an audience not only physically in front of you but also virtually. It is important not to forget about the remote sites that are participating because they will have questions just like your audience in front of you. Be sure to prompt questions and comments from all locations.

Tip 2: Speak clearly and project your voice.

There is a balance that has to be met between a presenter’s voice projections and speaking too loud into the microphone. Shouting into the microphone will distort the audio for the remote sites. Speaking clearly and projecting your voice will be appreciated by all, as it will ensure the presentation is understood.